I'm looking at getting one. Planning to spend about £750 at the most and it's main use will be gaming.
It's just the base unit I'm after as i obviously have a monitor, keyboard ect ect.
I looked at building one last year but found that it seemed to be more expensive than buying a ready built from one of the custom build companies online. In another thread since then, cina has told me this is incorrect so I'm a bit confused.
What sort of thing can I expect for that price? I'd like a good graphics card and ideally an i7 processor.
If I'm to build it, is there a good components dealer online or should I shop around?
Is there any particular custom build dealers online that have some good deals?
Intel's newest-generation chips spank AMD and then some, although that may change once AMD releases its next generation of chips. But Sandy Bridge is a really good chipset - it matches its older generation in terms of processing power, whilst being much more efficient.
I don't know whether you will need 8 GB of RAM or the 1 TB HDD, mind - unless you multi-task like hell and have lots of memory-intensive things open (i.e. Photoshop + gigantic file).
I made this at Cyberpower (where my next PC is coming from) with the P67 Configurator:
Intel i5-2600K (overclocked)
Asus P8P67-M P67 DDR3 Intel LGA1155 DDR3 ATX Mainboard
4GB (2x2GB) PC12800 DDR3/1600mhz Dual Channel Memory
ATI Radeon HD 5750 PCI-E 16X 1GB DDR5
500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache HDD
600 Watts Power Supplies
Asetek 510LC / Xtremegear Liquid Cooling system w/ 120mm Radiator
Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium
Subtotal: £661.00
VAT (20%): £132.20
Grand Total: £793.20
Full specs:
* *BASE_PRICE: [+416]
* BLUETOOTH: None
* CABLE: None
* CAS: Thermaltake V3 Black Mid-Tower Case
* CASUPGRADE: NONE
* CD: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE. (BLACK COLOR)
* CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 2500K Quad Core 3.3GHz 6MB cache LGA1155 + HD Graphics ***Overclockable XXX*** [+25]
* CS_FAN: Default Case Fan
* DONGLES: NONE
* EXPAN: NONE
* FA_HDD: None
* FAN: Asetek 510LC / Xtremegear Liquid Cooling system w/ 120mm Radiator (Asetek CPU Water Cooling ***Overclockable XXX***)
* FLASHMEDIA: None
* FLOPPY: NONE
* FREEBIE_NVVC: None
* GLASS3D: NONE
* HDD: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache HDD (Single Hard Drive)
* HDD2: NONE
* HOMEINSTALL: NONE
* IEEE_CARD: NONE
* KEYBOARD: NONE
* MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC12800 DDR3/1600mhz Dual Channel Memory [+31] (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
* MODEM: NONE
* MONITOR: NONE
* MONITOR2: NONE
* MONITOR3: NONE
* MOTHERBOARD: Asus P8P67-M P67 DDR3 Intel LGA1155 DDR3 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, SATAIII USB3.0 ***Overclockable XXX***
* MOUSE: NONE
* NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT -- As standard on all PCs
* OS: Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium [+74] (64-bit Edition)
* OVERCLOCK: S&S Overclocking (CPU Safe and Stable overclock: guaranteed min. 10%, max. 20%.) [+59]
* POWERSUPPLY: 600 Watts Power Supplies [+12] (CyberPower 600W Gaming Power Supply)
* PRO_WIRING1: CoolerMaster Thermal Fusion 400 Extreme Performance CPU - Thermal Compound Optimized for Thermal Dissipation [+9]
* RUSH: NONE
* SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
* SPEAKERS: NONE
* TEMP: NONE
* TVRC: NONE
* UPS: None
* USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
* USBHD: NONE
* VC_PHYSX: None
* VIDEO: ATI Radeon HD 5750 PCI-E 16X 1GB DDR5 Video Card [+35]
* VIDEO2: None, or On-Board Integrated Graphics
* VIDEO3: None, or On-Board Integrated Graphics
* WAP: NONE
* WARRANTY: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
* WEBCAM1: NONE
* WNC: NONE
* XWNA: NONE
* _PRICE: (+661)
* _view_: d
Granted, I haven't been looking at hardware for years but I think it's a fairly decent level to aim for. An i7-950, overclocked, with 6 GB tri-channel memory might be better for some games but that will be a little more pricey I'd imagine.
The video card is give-or-take for nVidia vs ATI at that level.
Intel's newest-generation chips spank AMD and then some, although that may change once AMD releases its next generation of chips. But Sandy Bridge is a really good chipset - it matches its older generation in terms of processing power, whilst being much more efficient.
I don't know whether you will need 8 GB of RAM or the 1 TB HDD, mind - unless you multi-task like hell and have lots of memory-intensive things open (i.e. Photoshop + gigantic file).
I made this at Cyberpower (where my next PC is coming from) with the P67 Configurator:
Intel i5-2600K (overclocked)
Asus P8P67-M P67 DDR3 Intel LGA1155 DDR3 ATX Mainboard
4GB (2x2GB) PC12800 DDR3/1600mhz Dual Channel Memory
ATI Radeon HD 5750 PCI-E 16X 1GB DDR5
500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache HDD
600 Watts Power Supplies
Asetek 510LC / Xtremegear Liquid Cooling system w/ 120mm Radiator
Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium
Subtotal: £661.00
VAT (20%): £132.20
Grand Total: £793.20
Full specs:
* *BASE_PRICE: [+416]
* BLUETOOTH: None
* CABLE: None
* CAS: Thermaltake V3 Black Mid-Tower Case
* CASUPGRADE: NONE
* CD: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE. (BLACK COLOR)
* CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 2500K Quad Core 3.3GHz 6MB cache LGA1155 + HD Graphics ***Overclockable XXX*** [+25]
* CS_FAN: Default Case Fan
* DONGLES: NONE
* EXPAN: NONE
* FA_HDD: None
* FAN: Asetek 510LC / Xtremegear Liquid Cooling system w/ 120mm Radiator (Asetek CPU Water Cooling ***Overclockable XXX***)
* FLASHMEDIA: None
* FLOPPY: NONE
* FREEBIE_NVVC: None
* GLASS3D: NONE
* HDD: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache HDD (Single Hard Drive)
* HDD2: NONE
* HOMEINSTALL: NONE
* IEEE_CARD: NONE
* KEYBOARD: NONE
* MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC12800 DDR3/1600mhz Dual Channel Memory [+31] (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
* MODEM: NONE
* MONITOR: NONE
* MONITOR2: NONE
* MONITOR3: NONE
* MOTHERBOARD: Asus P8P67-M P67 DDR3 Intel LGA1155 DDR3 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, SATAIII USB3.0 ***Overclockable XXX***
* MOUSE: NONE
* NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT -- As standard on all PCs
* OS: Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium [+74] (64-bit Edition)
* OVERCLOCK: S&S Overclocking (CPU Safe and Stable overclock: guaranteed min. 10%, max. 20%.) [+59]
* POWERSUPPLY: 600 Watts Power Supplies [+12] (CyberPower 600W Gaming Power Supply)
* PRO_WIRING1: CoolerMaster Thermal Fusion 400 Extreme Performance CPU - Thermal Compound Optimized for Thermal Dissipation [+9]
* RUSH: NONE
* SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
* SPEAKERS: NONE
* TEMP: NONE
* TVRC: NONE
* UPS: None
* USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
* USBHD: NONE
* VC_PHYSX: None
* VIDEO: ATI Radeon HD 5750 PCI-E 16X 1GB DDR5 Video Card [+35]
* VIDEO2: None, or On-Board Integrated Graphics
* VIDEO3: None, or On-Board Integrated Graphics
* WAP: NONE
* WARRANTY: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
* WEBCAM1: NONE
* WNC: NONE
* XWNA: NONE
* _PRICE: (+661)
* _view_: d
Granted, I haven't been looking at hardware for years but I think it's a fairly decent level to aim for. An i7-950, overclocked, with 6 GB tri-channel memory might be better for some games but that will be a little more pricey I'd imagine.
The video card is give-or-take for nVidia vs ATI at that level.
First I need to clarify that I know very little about technology spec when it comes to laptops/computers.
I've managed to get by for years with my work laptop, but need a desktop or pc for personal use.
I need somewhere to deal with music, downloads, and general browsing. Not so much for gaming, as i use my ps3 for that.
I'm looking in the region of £500-£700. If £500 would suffice then happy days, but I could be tempted to spend more if it's worth it. I know new stuff is released all the time, but it would be nice to have a pc that will be still useable in 18-24 months time without being ridiculously slow to the point that it's best to let it die.
I know you get more for your money with a desktop rather than a laptop, and mobility isn't critical, but would be preferred if there is little difference.
If any of you have come across anything worth a mention it would be appreciated. But if people start talking about building a PC and all that jazz, i will simply drown in the information.
Cheers all
Edit - bumped this thread from a search, but not sure if it'd be more suited to the general?
I've bought a few entry level desktops in the past and they've gone to crap within 12 months.
I'd probably use it far more, if it had greater capability to be honest. I'd just like something that has some longevity.
Ideally i'd like an ipad as i think that would cover the majority of my needs to be honest, but i'd need to sync it to a laptop/desktop for itunes which i don't have at present.
I bought a lovely graphics card and it has kept me going for a little while but I've got a bit of spare cash at the moment and it seems like a good time to upgrade.
Basically all I need is:
Processor, Motherboard and RAM.
Budget for that is probably £400 but I'm flexible.
Get yourself a good fan and overclock the thing (very easy with the BIOS on most modern MBs) because it's a monster for OCing and you'll be sorted for quite a while.
I just don't understand the need for spending over double the price on an i7 when it's really not THAT much better.
After ordering shortly after that post, it was delayed and delayed because the Case was out of stock, despite this, I'm still impressed with Overclockers.co.uk so far as they have completely refunded me the £27 Delivery Charges and as the reason for not delivering it was the Tower not being in stock, they have upgraded me to the marginally more expensive but I am assured 10 times better quality:
Do you know in what sort of way though? I mean generally in booting up and loading applications or writing large files, loading level's in games ect ect?
If it was just for doing things like copying large files and what not then I could give it a miss and just get a 3tb sata instead.
Do you know in what sort of way though? I mean generally in booting up and loading applications or writing large files, loading level's in games ect ect?
If it was just for doing things like copying large files and what not then I could give it a miss and just get a 3tb sata instead.
It is mostly for booting up and loading applications. I'd say its more useful for laptop users as it also preserves a substantial amount of battery life (no moving parts), but for a desktop it really isn't worth the premium just yet IMO.
As I said in the Deus Ex thread, stick to a 7200rpm SATA and then make the switch when the price goes down drastically in a year or so.
If its gaming performance and improving your FPS, you're better off prioritising your budget towards a video card, and the processor too if you're in to your RTS and simulator games.
Another point - try and go with the best motherboard and power/cooling supply you can get to really future-proof your system, you don't want to handicap yourself for future upgrades.
It is mostly for booting up and loading applications. I'd say its more useful for laptop users as it also preserves a substantial amount of battery life (no moving parts), but for a desktop it really isn't worth the premium just yet IMO.
As I said in the Deus Ex thread, stick to a 7200rpm SATA and then make the switch when the price goes down drastically in a year or so.
If its gaming performance and improving your FPS, you're better off prioritising your budget towards a video card, and the processor too if you're in to your RTS and simulator games.
Another point - try and go with the best motherboard and power/cooling supply you can get to really future-proof your system, you don't want to handicap yourself for future upgrades.
Personally, I'd opt for a bigger power supply (800W+) since you don't have a liquid cooling system, and also in case you decide to go SLI in the future. I'd also go for a larger case, just so you can future-proof yourself that little bit more. Just personal preferences though.
EDIT: Just realised its too late and you'd already ordered, in which case ignore the above
Personally, I'd opt for a bigger power supply (800W+) since you don't have a liquid cooling system, and also in case you decide to go SLI in the future. I'd also go for a larger case, just so you can future-proof yourself that little bit more. Just personal preferences though.
EDIT: Just realised its too late and you'd already ordered, in which case ignore the above
I spoke to the technical support at overclockers and it all ended up around £100 under the budget I set him out, I asked about the PSU and he said it should be ample. I can't see myself going SLI though, I'm never going to need anything that uses 2 of those cards and when I come to upgrade I'll probably just buy a new top of the range card, but hopefully that is a good year away.
It is mostly for booting up and loading applications. I'd say its more useful for laptop users as it also preserves a substantial amount of battery life (no moving parts), but for a desktop it really isn't worth the premium just yet IMO.
As I said in the Deus Ex thread, stick to a 7200rpm SATA and then make the switch when the price goes down drastically in a year or so.
If its gaming performance and improving your FPS, you're better off prioritising your budget towards a video card, and the processor too if you're in to your RTS and simulator games.
Another point - try and go with the best motherboard and power/cooling supply you can get to really future-proof your system, you don't want to handicap yourself for future upgrades.
First off the main difference from a HDD is that the SSD contains no moving parts. It uses chips that store the non-volatile data. This also makes the SSD lighter than the HDD. The SSD is also much faster in reading and writing the data.
For simple acts like the typical college student on a laptop, where they surf the web and type out essays at the last minute, the advantages of an SSD would be negligible. In terms of downloading videos or games, and accessing multiple demanding applications at the same time, the SSD will give a noticeable performance boost. Also things like booting up time, shutting down time, opening large files like AutoCad, Huge dirty porn files etc will take alot less time to load up.
Other positives are they are less likely to succumb to physical shock, like violent shaking. Also with there being no moving parts, SSD’s are virtually free from mechanical breakdowns and are much quieter when running also. Heat generated by the base of the laptop is also less in a SSD.
Another issue is the write endurance. There is a limited amount of write cycles to any block of flash. Once you’ve used up the quote for that block, it becomes unreliable and a shorter shelf life to HDD!
In review it is a great alternative to HDD. If you are a user with a high demand for multiple programs working and quicker booting then this is for you. It is still a developing technology but even the entry level 64GB SSD’s are doing a great job. Intel is currently recognised as the leading team in SSD technology.
This was a college question that came up for me last year. I dont have the finished question anymore, but I did find the above quick notes. Hope it helps a bit.
I have a quick question not worthy of a new thread.
I have 4GB of RAM in my computer at the moment, is it worth upgrading to 8GB taking into consideration that I use Photoshop and Sony Vegas a lot. Does more RAM help a lot with those?
I have a quick question not worthy of a new thread.
I have 4GB of RAM in my computer at the moment, is it worth upgrading to 8GB taking into consideration that I use Photoshop and Sony Vegas a lot. Does more RAM help a lot with those?
I don't know if 16GB would be worth it thought since my computer is just a pre-built one, and the processor and other stuff is hardly amazing. Does RAM performance rely on the other stuff much to get the most out of it?
I don't know if 16GB would be worth it thought since my computer is just a pre-built one, and the processor and other stuff is hardly amazing. Does RAM performance rely on the other stuff much to get the most out of it?
Check your task manager when programs are running, and also when just surfing the web. Quick key is Shift+CTRL+ESC and look at the bottom at your commit charge and if it is more than half way used up, you should add more RAM.
RAM is the more likely to slow up, Upgrading Processor is the other option, but RAM should do you better.
I opened both programs and the commit charge was only 2331/8188 when both of them were open at the same time (half of that when Firefox was open by itself). I guess though that's because I had only just opened them and wasn't doing anything with them. I'll check when I'm working on something.
I know it's only 60gb but that will comfortably house windows and I'll have whatever game I'm currently playing on there too, then I'll have the lower spec games on my 250gb Sata and media on my 1tb External.
I wasn't going to go for it but that Windows Rating showed just what a bottle neck it is and apparantly you can really bring your game loading times right down.
New disk arrived, from turning on my computer to the end of the installation of Win7 64bit with a USB Pen and being logged on was 9minutes 44 seconds, from turning my PC on to being fully logged in is 28 seconds
I thought it would be higher than a 7.4 though, it's read and write speeds are 555mb/s and 495mb/s compared to a an average of 70-90mb/s on the RPM Drives. It could be that I still have my 7200rpm SATA as a Slave which might bring my average down. Either way it's bloody quick so I'm not worried about the rating now
